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Yoriichi looked at Michikatsu with confusion as Michikatsu hid them both away in a random closet. Their father’s footsteps clear and loud against the wooden floor.
It seemed like Yoriichi wanted to say something, but he knew he needed to stay quiet as his brother shushed him with just his index finger.
Yoriichi watched Michikatsu cautiously looking outside through the slight crack between both doors.
The arms holding him warm, it made Yoriichi have the urge to do something he isn’t used to. The comfort of his brother holding him close making him feel safe.
Yoriichi never felt the need to feel safe, he didn’t want to burden anyone with his unusualness or his emotionless behaviour. He’s sure that if it was anyone other than his brother they would think Yoriichi wasn’t grateful at all.
He wished his brother understands him nonetheless, the urge to hold that brotherly bond as something that is just apart of them instead of forced upon them. The urge to have them love each other as family without any burden at all.
Yoriichi wasn’t used to it, his parents showed how cruel family could be, yet he still held hope.
Michikatsu slowly leaned back against the back of the closet, still holding his younger twin close.
“Why are you doing this?” Yoriichi asked, his voice hushed. Cautious of the danger behind that door. He just wanted to know, he wanted to understand, he wanted security. He wants to know that it wasn’t because he’s his brother by chance- he wants it to be because he’s his brother Yoriichi.
Michikatsu looked back at his brother, his own expression also seemed lost. It’s like he didn’t expect his own actions, but Yoriichi knew his brother, he looked stern but he always protected Yoriichi whenever he could. And that’s what he appreciates the most, he knows his brother is a good person.
“I.. I just wanted to, father isn’t a good person a-and I’m young so I can’t really protect you with my fist so.. so why not uhm just- hide you instead?” Michikatsu started, it seemed like he was making up an excuse but it also seemed to hold some of the truth.
“I.. We.. we can’t always handle beatings..” Michikatsu muttered, an embarrassed blush covering his cheeks. “You get beaten most of the time, and.. I know how much it hurts, I would rather not have you endure that pain everyday till it numbs you to the point of not knowing when you’re so beaten up you’ll end up dead..” Michikatsu tried communicating. His words didn’t make sense but he tried his best.
The twins were never good with words, and when they tried it always felt like something was missing- like they couldn’t convey their emotions with words even with their intelligence.
Yoriichi didn’t want to force Michikatsu to talk more than he wants to, so he hugged him tighter, his head resting against his brother’s chest. His chest felt warm because of those oddly kind words of comfort.
“You’re.. you have the kindest heart, brother.” Yoriichi admitted after thinking about his words, his expression didn’t change, but it felt like his voice already had that edge of a smile.
Michikatsu relaxed and started tangling his fingers between Yoriichis hair, “Says you, you’ve always been the kindest between us two.”
“Not true…” Yoriichi pouted. Michikatsu smiled and pinched Yoriichis cheek.
Michikatsu might think that he was just saying that, but he hopes he saw his own actions and understands how much he’s done for Yoriichi.
In moments like these, the twins felt normal.